A Crystal Cove’s Brunch Is What Happens When Style, Sophistication and Seriously Good Food Come Together
Brunch is no longer just a weekend ritual in Newport Beach, it’s a full-on event at A Crystal Cove. As the coastal-chic sister to the legendary A Restaurant, this hotspot carries forward River Jetty Restaurant Group’s legacy of blending timeless elegance with community-driven dining. Director-producer Joseph “McG” Nichol and Jordan Otterbein have leveled up the scene with a lineup that blends modern-American flavors, coastal chic style and a touch of Old Hollywood glamor. Now with a custom Mimosa Cart greeting you at the front door and live music every Sunday, brunch feels less like a meal and more like a celebration.
“Weekends should feel a little special,” says Otterbein and that’s exactly the point. With views of the Pacific ocean, Chef Elvis Morales’ crave-worthy menu and a calendar of festive happenings, A Crystal Cove has quickly become the place to toast to the weekend.
The Mimosa Cart: Create Your Perfect Glass
Every Saturday and Sunday, the Mimosa Cart is front and center and it’s impossible not to smile when you see it. The cart is overflowing with fresh flowers and glass bowls are filled with a delicious selection of seasonal garnishes to choose from. Your glass starts with Veuve Clicquot or Prosecco, then gets a splash of passion fruit, guava or orange juice, a hint of Chambord or St-Germain and a finish of fresh berries and citrus. The experience feels interactive and celebratory, whether you’re creating your perfect glass with friends or surprising your table with a bottle of bubbles to share. The cart is one part cocktail service, one part Instagram moment and it sets the tone for a brunch that feels elevated from the start.
A Menu that Slays from Sweet to Savory
Pair your mimosa with Chef Elvis Morales’ brunch lineup, where every dish feels like a reason to linger. On the sweet side, the Brioche French Toast is topped with strawberry compote, mascarpone cream, crème anglaise and fresh berries for a plate that’s indulgent and photo-ready. For something savory, the Duck Confit Sopes bring bold flavor with A5 wagyu refried beans, salsa verde, breakfast radish, crème fraîche and queso fresco.
From coastal-inspired plates to decadent comfort food, Morales balances freshness and indulgence in a way that makes brunch here as exciting as the atmosphere.
Million-Dollar Views Meet Live Music Vibes
If the Mimosa Cart is the sparkle, the setting is the shine. Perched in the Crystal Cove Shopping Center, the restaurant looks out at the Pacific, and you’re not sure if the ocean or the ambiance is more beautiful. The floor-to-ceiling windows flood the space with natural light, the showstopping bar is front and center and when the sun comes in just right, everything feels like magic.
On Sundays, the vibe goes up another notch with live music. Acoustic sets and laid-back rhythms create a soundtrack that pairs perfectly with the clink of champagne glasses and the hum of weekend chatter. Between the waves outside and the music inside, brunch takes on a rhythm all its own, making it easy to order another round and stretch brunch into the afternoon.
The champagne specials help too. With bottles half off Friday through Sunday, it’s the perfect excuse to upgrade to Veuve and make brunch the celebration it’s meant to be.
More Than Just Brunch
What makes A Crystal Cove stand out is its mix of connection and celebration. The free photo booth makes sure every gathering has the receipts; proof of fabulous outfits, perfect pours and laughter you’ll want to remember. Weekend champagne specials keep spirits high, while the service makes every guest feel like they belong at the table.
And here’s your reminder: holiday season is almost here, and A Crystal Cove is one of Newport’s most coveted party spots. The chic interiors and a menu that delivers both sophistication and fun make it a dream setting for festive gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a bubbly brunch with friends, a family-style feast or a sparkling dinner for your whole team, this is the kind of venue that makes an impression.
The calendar fills up fast and reservations for private dining and seasonal parties are already in demand. Waiting until December to book? Risky. Lock it in now so your holiday bash comes with the ultimate Newport backdrop. With its blend of old Hollywood glamour and modern coastal energy, A Crystal Cove is the kind of place that makes every celebration feel bigger, brighter and more memorable.
The details
Brunch is served Fridays from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. A Crystal Cove is located at 7862 East Coast Highway, Newport Beach. For menus, reservations or holiday party planning, visit arestaurantcc.com or follow @a_crystalcove.
Holiday parties are already filling the calendar, so book early to secure the ocean views, champagne specials and celebratory vibe that make A Crystal Cove the ultimate seasonal backdrop.
The takeaway: brunch, but make it an experience
With a custom Mimosa Cart, live music, and a menu that balances indulgence and elegance, A Crystal Cove is more than a brunch spot. It’s where weekends feel elevated, every sip feels celebratory and every gathering feels like a memory in the making.
A California local, Kathleen Hokit grew up on a farm but spent every chance she could at the beach. After earning her graduate degree in the social sciences in Finland, she built a 17+ year career writing and editing across lifestyle, entertainment, and culture. A longtime magazine lover, she now lives the dream as part of the editorial team at LOCALE. When she’s not on deadline, she’s hiking or sneaking in a beach day with her husband and son. Kathleen loves all things art—from writing and photography to spending time on the dance floor, where she teaches ballet to everyone from tiny tots to grown-ups on their pas de bourrée path.
